The best goalkeeper of the 2024/25 Ukrainian Premier League season, Georgiy Ermakov, has officially begun a new chapter in his career. After completing the UEFA U-21 Euro 2025 in Slovakia, he joined Maccabi Haifa’s training camp and immediately got involved in preparations. Ermakov admitted that he had long followed the Israeli club and eagerly awaited the opportunity to become part of it. He is now training in the Brave GK Reaction Green gloves — a model he actively used at Alexandria and with the national team.
After a successful season in the UPL, where Georgiy Ermakov firmly established himself in the Alexandria starting lineup and was named the league’s best goalkeeper, it was time for the next step. His loan ended on July 1, and he officially returned to Maccabi Haifa — the club he signed with in summer 2024.
According to Ermakov, he followed Maccabi’s Champions League matches, studied the team’s playing style and the club’s ambitions. Indeed, Maccabi Haifa is one of Israel’s most decorated clubs with a rich history and consistent appearances in European competitions. For the young but already experienced goalkeeper, this is a step forward — and a challenge at the same time, as competition within the club is high and expectations are serious.
In his first interview after arriving at the camp, Ermakov said, “I am very happy to be here. This is a big club with ambitions, and I want to contribute so that we achieve our maximum. I understand how important the team’s objectives are, and I am ready to work both individually and with the group.” This mindset aligns perfectly with Maccabi’s approach, which places great emphasis not only on play but also on preparation, discipline, and tactics.
From the first days at Maccabi Haifa, Georgiy Ermakov integrated into the full training process. The team began preparations for the second qualifying round of the Champions League, and each player is under the coaching staff’s focus. Especially the goalkeepers, as defensive stability is critically important in European competitions. Ermakov has two to three sessions a day: morning sessions focus on technique and mobility, afternoon sessions on gameplay practice, and evening sessions on positional play and individual assignments.
Special attention is paid to decision-making speed: the goalkeeper must react instantly to changing situations and act instinctively. To achieve this, exercises with unconventional logic are used — the ball is thrown unexpectedly, players simulate wing breaks, and game overload scenarios are created.
There is also a focus on physical conditioning. Maccabi applies a hybrid methodology: alternating high-intensity blocks and recovery days with light game modules and video sessions. For Ermakov, this is nothing new — he has gone through intensive camps in Ukraine and with the national team, so he adapted quickly to the new requirements.
Importantly, Georgiy gains match practice during training scrimmages. Intra-team matches with additional conditions (for example, pressing with a time limit on passes) simulate real match situations. Each scenario is under the watch of the goalkeeper coach, who notes where to speed up and where to hold position and wait for the opponent’s mistake.
In all training sessions at Maccabi, Georgiy Ermakov uses the Brave GK Reaction Green model — proven equipment he wore at Alexandria and in Ukraine’s U-21 national team matches. It is a conscious choice: under conditions of intense sessions, frequent weather changes, and the need for full concentration on every moment, a goalkeeper cannot afford the slightest compromise in his gear.
The main advantage of this model is the palm made of 4 mm professional Supreme Contact latex, reinforced with an equally thick foam backing. As a result, the gloves provide an ideal grip on the ball even on wet grass and absorb close-range shots — a critically important aspect in fast-paced training drills. The Rollfinger cut increases the contact surface with the ball, meaning Ermakov gains maximum control at the moment of the catch.
Additional stability is provided by the Fix Fit system — internal silicone elements literally secure the glove on the hand, preventing it from shifting during sharp movements. This is especially noticeable in exercises that focus on catching after deflections or during sweeper keeper scenarios.
Considering Israel’s climate and training in hot, humid conditions, the thermoregulating properties also play a role. The backhand is made of NB latex, which wicks away excess heat, protects against wind, and maintains comfort even if the temperature drops suddenly. The elastic cuff and flexible latex Velcro strap provide a snug yet unobtrusive fit, allowing the goalkeeper to maintain freedom of movement.
Maccabi Haifa, the club Georgiy Ermakov joined after his loan, is one of the flagships of Israeli football. The team regularly competes in European competitions, fights for domestic trophies, and has modern infrastructure for player development. The club is a 15-time Israeli champion and six-time State Cup winner.
From the first days of training in Israel, the goalkeeper has shown high motivation and engagement in the work process. His adaptation within the squad is progressing quickly, aided by the shared drive for results and the coaching staff’s professional approach.
At Maccabi, Ermakov faces competition for the starting spot, but such conditions allow potential to unfold. In his first training sessions, the goalkeeper actively works on game scenarios tailored to specific tactics, studies new requirements for initiating attacks from goal kicks, interacts with the defensive line, and practices reactions to rapid wing breakaways. Considering his UPL experience and recent U-21 national team performances, he has everything needed to compete for the number one jersey.
Georgiy Ermakov’s prospects look promising: he continues to grow professionally, gains new international experience, and works at a club focused on winning. The upcoming season is a chance to prove himself at another level, solidify his place in the squad, and possibly catch the attention of the Ukraine senior national team.
